Daijiworld Media Network - Cuttack

Cuttack, Feb 18: The senior superintendent of Choudwar Circle Jail allegedly handed over Rs 1.9 lakh in cash to a former inmate after she accused prison officials of procedural violations and misconduct, claiming that her gold jewellery went missing during her incarceration.

The 32-year-old woman, Itishree Mohanty, a resident of Mahanga in Cuttack district, was lodged in the jail in September last year. At the time of admission, she had deposited with the jail authorities a pair of gold earrings weighing 6 grams, a ring weighing 8 grams and a nose pin she was wearing.

However, when Mohanty was released on bail on December 23, the ornaments were not returned. Despite repeated follow-ups, she allegedly did not receive her valuables.

Subsequently, she lodged an FIR on February 8 at the Choudwar police station against the jail’s senior superintendent, Sujit Kumar Raula, accusing him of unauthorised possession of her jewellery.

Director of Prisons Sushant Nath said he has ordered a probe into the alleged disappearance of the ornaments.

“As per our initial findings, the jailor who was in charge is responsible for the upkeep of the valuables. It appears that the jailor did not maintain the register properly,” Nath said.

Further investigation is underway.